Page 25 of Aiden

He cups my face. “That’s what’s going to get you in trouble. You don’t know when men are flirting with you.” He smirks before planting a kiss on my neck.

The soreness makes me jump and reminds me of something I forgot.

“I forgot to cover my hickey!” I shriek, embarrassed.

He shrugs, pulling my hair away from my neck so it cascades down my back, and admires his mark. “I would have wiped off any make-up you put on it.”

His voice is so stern and authoritative, it makes me gulp.

The elevator dings and Aiden releases me, his features sharpening and growing cold. The doors slide open revealing a sleek and modern office design.

A woman sits at the white front desk, a bright smile plastered on her face. “Mr. Scott,” She greets with a nod.

I return her polite smile when she looks over at me.

Aiden guides me over and introduces me to Lexi.

“Would you like some water?” Lexi asks with a smile.

I shake my head politely, not wanting to bother the nice lady. “I’m okay, thank you though.”

“She’ll have a water with lemon.” Aiden instructs before guiding me towards the back of the room, his warm hand pressing into the small of my back.

The faint sound of heels and dress shoes against the marble flooring makes me stand a little straighter. A man hands Aiden a manila folder but they exchange no words.

I study them curiously. Is this how it will be like when I work in an office one day? Everything looks so serious; from the white polished floors, ironed dresses to pressed suits. So different from my dream of being covered in flour all day, creating delicious treats with my hands.

This is what Aiden was born to do, his general no-nonsense demeanor shows more than usual. I can’t deny that being next to him feels powerful and a little intimidating. I notice his voice sounds different when he talks to his employees, it’s deeper, more serious.

My wide eyes take in the beautiful sight of Portland’s skyline as Aiden ushers me into his office. The interior design is different from the rest of the floor; deep colors adorn the walls while rich oak furniture dominates the space. Fine-Art of various deep hues sit flush against the deeply colored walls. It fits Aiden.

Despite the natural light shining in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he flips on a lamp that casts a faint golden hue over his desk. It looks incredible, like a luxurious cabin.

I spin around in awe. “How is everything so established? I thought you just got this place.” I peer at the awards framed on the wall.

Aiden sits in the large leather chair behind a dark oak desk and powers on his computer. “This is the same set up I had when I went to Stanford and worked in the city. I already owned the company when I was in school, my employees just came with me. It’s been an easy transition.”

He beckons me over, pointing to his lap. “Come.”

I shuffle over shyly and slide onto his lap sideways.

“We won’t be here long.” he twirls my hair as he taps away on his computer. “I just need to send some paperwork to my clients, and then we can head out.”

The door opens and Lexi steps in, her bright smile fading.

I move to stand up, but Aiden holds me in place.

“Why didn’t you knock?” He demands, his face set in a scowl.

“I’m sorry, sir.” Lexi sets a glass down in front of me before making a quick getaway.

I tilt my head, puzzled. “Isn’t it unprofessional for me to be on your lap?”

He shakes his head, his tone filled with disgust. “I’m the boss, I pay their wages. It was unprofessional for her to barge in here like that.”

I push away my thoughts on the sadness I saw on Lexi’s face. “Didn’t you ask her to bring me water?”

He chuckles in amusement and leans back. “Okay, so let’s say I had you bent over the desk,” He taps the sturdy wood, “and someone just waltz in.”

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